The U.S. Army and Colorado National Guard have announced intentions to reserve more than 500 hotel rooms for lodging during the Democratic National Convention, hinting at the number of military personnel that may be in Denver for the high-profile event that is expected to draw an estimated 50,000 protesters.
While the Democratic convention is being held on Aug 25-28, officials with the Colorado National Guard are seeking to reserve 438 rooms for Aug. 22-30 and 78 rooms for Aug. 18-30 according to award announcements published Friday on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, a page run by the federal government for business contract solicitations.
The documents show that majority of guard personnel staying from Aug. 22-30 are set to lodge at Johnson & Wales University, located on 7150 Montview Blvd in far east Denver, while 32 rooms will be rented out for an unknown Extended Stay America location in Denver.
NOTICE OF INTENT: Due to lack of other known sources the Colorado National Guard intends to award a sole source contract to Johnson & Wales University for 3,510 room nights and 3 meals per day 22-30 August 2008 for the Democratic National Convention. The place of performance will be the Denver Colorado.
The term "room nights" refers to the total number of rooms per-night that are being used during a guest's stay, and is calculated by multiplying the number of rooms by the number of nights a guest stays at the property.
Those staying from Aug. 18-30 are set for the Drury Hotels according to the documents, a building that is also located in far east Denver at 4400 Peoria St.
NOTICE OF INTENT: Due to lack of other known sources the Colorado National Guard intends to award a sole source contract to Drury Hotels Denver East for 1,020 room nights from 18-30 August 2008 for the Democratic National Convention.
The awards notices show that a total of 4530 room nights are planning to be purchased for the Democratic convention, although the cost is currently unknown.
It was recently reported that at least 900 police officers are expected to come to Denver from Wyoming and 12 other locations around the state to assist with security during the convention, for a cost of $25 million in federal tax dollars.
Stayed tuned to the Colorado Independent for more information.